Rotary regenerator sealing structure



June 22, 1965 R, CHUTE 3,190,350

ROTARY REGENERATOR sEALING STRUCTURE Filed Sept. l2, 1960 5 Sheets-Sheet1 INVENTOR.

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5 Sheets-Sheet 2 R. CHUTE ROTARY REGENERATOR SEALING STRUCTURE June 22,1965 Filed Sept. l2, 1960 #Trax/ww@ June 22, 1965 R. CHUTE ROTARYREGENERATOR SEALING STRUCTURE 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Sept. 12, 1960INVENTOR. J CfzaeA )na/4dr #mwa-M June 22, 1965 R. CHUTE ROTARYREGENERATOR SEALING STRUCTURE 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Sept. 12, 1960 Rm7? We or MW 7M# @n `Pune 22, 1965 R. CHUTE 3,190,350

ROTARY REGENERATOR SEALING STRUCTURE Filed Sept. 12, 1960 5 Sheets-Sheet5 United States Patent O 3,190,350 RTARY REGENERATGR EALHNG STRUCTURERichard (Chute, Huntington Woods, Mich., assigner to ChryslerCorporation, Highland Parli, Mich., a corporation of Delaware FiledSept. 12, Het?, Ser. No. 55,413 l Claims. (Cl. 165-9) This inventionrelates generally to gas turbine power plants or other fuel combustionapparatus and to rotary regenerator mechanisms for use therewith. Moreparticularly, the invention is concerned with a new and improved meansfor sealing rotary regenerator mechanisms to eliminate undesirablebypassing of the gases flowing through separate portions of theregenerator matrix, the gases flowing through one matrix portion beingat a different temperature and pressure than the temperature andpressure of the gases flowing through the other portion, and thetemperature and pressure of the gases flowing through both portionsbeing different than the temperature and pressure of the gasessurrounding the regenerator matrix.

Although the sealing structure of the present invention is capable ofbeing used with a large variety of different fuel combustion apparatusemploying a regenerative combustion cycle, one preferred structuralenvironment is disclosed which comprises a compact gas turbine powerplant of the automotive type, the regenerator structure thereforincluding a circular matrix which is rotatably mounted about a centralhub portion. The circular regenerator matrix in the disclosed powerplant structure is mounted within a cast power plant frame or housingwhich encloses other component elements of the power plant. These othercomponent elements of the power plant include a rotary compressor whichis capable of receiving fuel combustion supporting air through suitableintake air ducts extending to the exterior of the power plant housing.The compressor discharges the intake air at an increased total pressureinto a suitable diffuser structure which conducts the comparatively cooland high pressure air to an air intake chamber defined by the upperportion of the cast housing structure, said diffuser effecting areduction in the velocity pressure of the compressed intake air and anincrease in the static pressure.

The regenerator matrix structure may be disposed within the abovementioned intake chamber in adjacent relationship therewith and thecompressed intake air may pass through sector-like openings formed inthe power plant housing on either side of the regenerator matrix andthrough a first portion of the regenerator matrix into a passage meanscommunicating with the fuel combustion chamber, the passage ofpressurized intake air through said regenerator being confined to saidfirst matrix portion. Also the entire circumference of the regeneratoris advantageously bathed in the aforesaid cool and high pressuredischarge air entering said air intake chamber from the compressor.

Liquid fuel may be mixed with the air in the fuel combustion chamber andthe high temperature gases produced by the fuel combustion process areconducted through suitable baffling to an annular gas passage withinwhich the bladed peripheries of a two-stage turbine wheel assembly aredisposed, the turbine wheels associated with the separate turbine stagesbeing disposed in a central portion of the power plant housing. Theturbine wheel associated with the first turbine stage is drivablycoupled to the rotary compressor unit, above described, and the turbinewheel associated with the second turbine stage is drivably connected tothe power input member of a speed reduction transmission, saidtransmission also being mounted within the power plant housing to form acomice plete, compact automotive power plant. Each of the turbine wheelsis powered by the motive gases passing through the annular gas passage.A suitable drive means may be provided for drivably coupling the firstturbine stage with the rotary regenerator matrix to impart a rotarymotion to the latter during operation of the power plant.

The high temperature combustion gases are exhausted into a chamberwithin the power plant housing, said chamber being situated below asecond rotary regenerator matrix portion at a location which isdisplaced from the aforementioned first regenerator matrix portion.Second sector-like openings are formed in the power plant housing oneither side of the regenerator matrix and are adapted to accommodate thepassage of the hot combustion exhaust gases through said second matrixportion into an exhaust chamber defined by the upper portion of thepower plant housing, said exhaust chamber communicating with a suitableexhaust gas outlet passage.

The hot exhaust gases are effective to heat the second regeneratormatrix portion to an elevated temperature and as the matrix portion isrotated about its central axis, the heated portion is brought intocontact with the relatively cool compressed intake air to effect atransfer of thermal energy from the hot to the cool gases. When the samematrix portion is again brought into contact with the heated exhaustgases upon continued rotation of the regenerator, a transfer of thermalenergy again takes place from the exhaust gas to the matrix structureand the temperature of the latter again rises as the cycle is repeated.The regenerator matrix thus serves as a vehicle for transferring thermalenergy from the hot combustion exhaust gases to the relatively coolcompressed intake air, and the thermal efficiency of the power plant iscorrespondingly increased.

ln consequence of the continual temperature and pressure changes towhich the regenerator matrix is subjected, the matrix tends to warp andgive rise to diicult sealing problems in the effort to prevent anundesirable and wasteful bypassing or short-circuiting of the gases asthey are conducted through the above-described circuit during operation.An object of the present invention is therefore to provide a new andimproved regenerator sealing structure which may be disposed between therotary surfaces of the regenerator matrix structure and the relativelystationary power plant housing within which the regenerator is rotatablymounted, as above described. More specifically, the improved sealingstructure includes a comparatively ilexible sealing element or sectorplate disposed in sliding and sealing engagement with the rotaryregenerator matrix structure on either side there-of and a resilientspacer interposed between the sector plate and frame or housing, wherebya resiliently yieldable support is provided for the underside of theregenerator to support the same in a floating relationship, thereby toaccommodate for both thermal and pressure induced distortion of theregenerator, as well as to shield the regenerator from mechanicalvibration resulting for example from road shock.

Another object is to provide an improved sealing structure incooperation with a rotatable regenerator which is mounted for bothlinear movement along its axis of rotation and for tilting or cockingmovement with respect to that axis, whereby the effects of warping ofthe regenerator are minimized and the latter is enabled to align itselfwith its sealing structure regardless of dimensional changes induced bythermal, fluid, or mechanical forces on the regenerator and itssupporting structure.

Other objects are to provide such a sealing structure which effects aresilient foundation for the sector plate or sealing element that is insliding contact with the re- It is a further object of my invention toprovide a -peripheral sealing structure which is particularly adaptedyto be used with a drum-type rotary regenerator for an automotive gasturbine power, plant wherein the tempera-ture and pressure differentialbetween the combus: tion chamber intake and exhaust gases is appreciablyhigh and wherein the periphery of the regenerator matrix is bathed inthe comparatively cool and high pressure combustion supporting airdischarged from-the air compressor. This high pressure air is sealedfrom the matrix except at a high pressure sector at one axial end of theregenerator and is thus directed axially through the regenerator toregions of intermediate pressure where the fuel is added and burned andthe combustion products are directed to the turbine rotors to drive thesame. The resulting low pressure and comparatively hot `exhaust gasesare then directed to a low pressure sector of the regenerator at theaxial end of the'latter opposite the first-named axial end having saidhigh pressure sec# tor. The low pressure sector ofthe regenerator issealed from both the aforesaid high and intermediate pressure gases soas to direct the comparatively hot and low pressure gases axiallythrough the low pressure sector of the regenerator to heat the same,whereupon the resulting cool low pressure gases are-exhausted toatmosphere.

. 4- or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of descriptionand not of limitation.

Referring first to the assembly view of FIGURE 1, an intake aircompressor rotor -is shown comprising a hub 11 with radiallyextending-inducer blades 12 and working blades 13. V4The rotor hub 11includes a leftward extension which is rotatably journalled in an endhousing cover 14. Accessory drive gears 15 are drivably connected tothehub extension by means of a splined connection 16 with an accessorydrive input gear 17. A suitable cover plate 18 may be provided forenclosing the accessory drive gears 15, said cover plater 18 beingbolted yto the housing cover 14 by means of bolts Further objects are toprovide a power plant sealing Y tion techniques and to provide aperipheral sealing structure for use with a rotary regenerator matrixfor yan auto- The end housing cover 14 defines-an outwardly` ex tendingintake airpassager 20 having a reverse configuration as shown. Theradially inward portion of the passage 20 communicates with the airinducer passage of compressor-rotor /10 within which inducer, blades l2are disposed. Upon rotation of the compressor rotor 10 about its centralaxis, intake air is caused to flow Yin a generally inward directionthrough the passage 20 and is then caused to pass inan axial directionthrough the inducer blades 12. yThe air is then discharged radiallythrough the blades 13 and iscolle'cted in a substantially spiral-shapeddiffuser chamber 21,'said diffuser chamber 21 being defined by the powerplant housing portion 22. It may be 'observed that the end'v housingportion 14 is bolted about its outer. peripheryvbykmea'ns of bolts 23motive power plant which'is characterized by its improved sealingcharacteristics under all operating conditions of the power plant and byits relatively long, op-

erating life.

Other objects of this invention will appear in the followingdescriptionV and appended claims, reference being had to theaccompanying drawings forming a part of this specification wherein likereference characters designate corresponding parts in the several views.

FIGURE 1 is a cross sectional assembly view of an automotive type gasturbine power plant having a rotary regenerator mechanism andincorporating the regeneradirection of the arrows substantially alongsection line 4-4 of FIGURE 3.

FIGURE 5 is a fragmentary plan view showing the lower sector plate and aportionof the regenerator seraling structure. f Y s FIGURES 6 and 7 arefragmentary enlarged sectional views taken in the directions of thearrows substantially along the lines 6 6 and 7--7 respectively of FIGURE5.

FIGURE 8 is an enlarged fragmentary view similarI to FIGURE 1, showingdetails of the regenerator hub mounting.

FIGURE 9 is a fragmentary sectional view through a portion of theregenerator drive gear train.

FIGURE 10 is a fragmentary sectional view through 50 FIGURE 4 is anenlarged sectional View taken in the to the housing portion 22 and iseffective to partly define the' radially inward portion of the diffuserchamber 21. t f

The diffuser chamber 21 is substantially spiral in shape andit'progresses about the central axis of the rotor 10 with aprogressively increasing cross sectional area and vterminates `in adome-shaped cavity 24 located` on the Vupper portion of the power planthousing assembly, said cavity being definedn by, an upper housingv,cover 25 which Vis bolted at 26t-o the housing portion 22 about itsouter periphery. Thecavity 24 opens directly into an lippen cylindricalregenerator containing chamber 27 defined in part by a part 22e ofhousing 22.. i

As comparativelyr cool intake air is discharged into the diffuserchamber 2,1, its static pressure increases to a maximum value as itcollects in cavity. 24 andcharnber 27. A rotary'regenerator 28 in thelatter chamber includes a drum-like matrix structure having a circularhub 29 and a rim 30, the hub 29being reinforced at its upper and lowerends by cylindrical inserts 31 and 32 respectively,

having upper and lower surfaces substantially flush with the upper andlower ends respectively of the hub 29, as

Villustrated in FIGURES. VThe insert 31 is vfirmly secured form 25a ofhousing, portion 25 and is recessed thereinto the regenerator matrix,showing details of the resilient i moment arms tending to deform the?sector plate` of the Y sealing structure so as to conformto the surfaceof the regenerator'during'operation. A n l It is to be understood thatthe invention is notlimited in its application to the details ofconstruction 'and ar- 'rangement` of parts illustrated intheaccompanying drawings, since the invention is capable of other embodi.ments and of being practicedY or carried out in'various ways. Also. itis to be understood that the ,phraseology tion 22, FIGURE 1.

ing the Ylower edges of its depending sidesv suitably secured v to anunderlying supporting shelf 22a of the housing por-l Below the sphericalsurface 33, FIGURE 10, the'insert 31 comprises an'annular cylindricalextension 43 which.

receives an annular support 44 held in position by means of a snap ringl5 partially embedded into the lower end of extension t3 immediatelybelow support dd, The latter is also provided with an interior sphericalsurface concentric with the surface of ball element 34 and cooperatingwith surface 33 to complete a universal type bearing engagement Iwiththe ball element The interior bores of insert 31. and support 44tareappreciably larger than the diameter of shaft 36 to enable freedom oftilting or cooking of the regenerator matrix 2S about all axesperpendicular to the axis of shaft Se.

The lower insert 32 has upright cylindrical walls terminating in anupper inbent annular flange i6 to provide rigidity for the insert 32.The inner circumferential portions of the insert 3?, are spacedadequately from shaf 36 so that the regenerator matrix 28 has in effecta freely floating mounting with respect to the shaft 3d. The outerspherical surface of ball element 34 and its inner cylindrical surface35 comprise suitable dry bearing surfaces such as graphite or a metallicoxide to enable both rotational and axial movement of the regeneratormatrix 23, as well as the aforesaid tilting or cooking movement withrespect to the shaft 35.

The regenerator rim 36 is provided with an annular groove 47 of circularcross section, FIGURE 9, which tightly receives a mating annular bead 43integral with the inner periphery of a ring gear 49. rfhe latter extendsentirely around the regenerator rim El@ and is spaced slightly therefromas illustrated, except at a region of snug contact between the bead 48and base of the groove 47, to enable the axis of gear 49 to remainvertical regardless of tilting or warping of .the regenerator matrix 2Sor its supporting structure. Preferably during assembly of the ring gear49, the latter is expanded by being heated to approximately 700 F. to800 F. The gear i9 is then passed over the rim 30 until the bead 48aligns with groove 47. As the gear 49 cools, it shrinks into place withthe inner periphery of the bead 43 seating snugly against the base ofgroove 47 to minimize noise that would otherwise result from free playbetween the gear i9 and rim Si?. The lower edge of gear i9 is providedwith an integral projection 5b which extends into a mating notch 51 in abracket S2 secured to rim Btl, thereby to key gear to rim 3@ forrotation together as a unit while enabling the adjacent sides of the rim3i) to deform during warping of the regencrator matrix 28 in the mannerexplained below.

The radially outwardly extending teeth of the gear d@ mesh with theteeth `of a pinion gear 53 keyed to a shaft 54 for rotation therewith.The lower end of shaft 5d` is journalled in a bearing block 55 having atubular upper portion 56 terminating in an annular out-turned flange 57which overlies .a shelf or platform 25b of the housing portion 25. Awindow 58 is provided in tubular extension 56 at the region of the gear53 to enable meshing engagement between the teeth of the latter and ofthe ring gear 49. Above the gear 53, the shaft 5d is journalled in abearing block 59 having an annular iiange d@ overlying flange 57 andsecured thereto and to platform 25th by means of a plurality of boltsdi. The upper end of shaft 54 is keyed to the hub of a speed reducinggear 62 by means of a pin 63. Sealing bushings dd and d5 respectivelyare interposed between gear 53 and block 59 and between -block 59 andgear 652.

The peripheral teeth of speed reducing gear 62 mesh with a driving gear66 keyed to the upper end of a vertical driveshaft 67 journalled in abearing support 68 suitably supported by shelf 2515. The lower end or"shaft 67 is operatively connected with the auxiliary gear system l5 forrotation thereby, so that rotation of compressor lil results insimultaneous rotation of shaft 67, gears ne, 62, 53, and 49, and theregenerator matrix 28.

A support e9 is secured to the underside of platform 25h and maintainedin fluid sealing engagement therewith by means of an interposed sealinggasket 79. A wail structure 71 welded to the support 69' extends to andis ti secured to the cylindrical housing portion 22e, so as to provide aiiuid containing enlargement 27a of chamber 27 sufficient to accommodatethe regenerator driving mechanism including pinion 53 and its supportingstructure illustrated in FGURE 9. Similarly to seal 70, sealingr gaskets72 and 73 are interposed between platform Zb and flange 57 and betweenthe latter flange and flange 73, thereby to prevent undesirable loss ofhigh pressure air from chambers 27 and 27a.

A core or body portion 75 of the rege erator matirx comprises a previousmaterial having axially extending passages which are effective toconduct gases from one axial side thereof to the other. One typicalconstruction comprises alternate layers of flat sheets and corrugatedsheets which are wound about the hub 29 and which define the drum-likecore 7S. The individual sheets may be formed into an integral assemblyby a suitable brazing operation, and the rim `3i? may likewise besecured about the periphery of the core by a brazing operation. Thealternately spaced corrugated sheets dene the abovementioned axiallyextending passages through the core body 75'.

ln accordance with the structure disclosed, the comparatively cool highpressure air entering chamber 24 pervades chamber' 27 and itsenlargements 27a so as to maintain the ring gear 49 and its drivingpinion 53 in a cool temperature environment. ln consequence, lubricatingof the bearing surfaces for the spindle 54 and of the intermeshing teethof gears i9 and S3 is facilitated and wearing of the parts is minimized.The compressed intake air passes from chamber 24 in a downwarddirection, FGURE l, through the regenerator core 75 into a chamber 7ddisposed in part directly below the regenerator matrix 2S, FIGURE l. Byreason of the pressure rop resulting from the flow of high pressure airthrough the restricted axial passages of the regenerator core, thepressure in chamber 76 will be at an intermediate value, somewhat belowthe press-ure in chambers 24 and 27. Also as will be explained morefully below, air in its downward passage through the regenerator corefrom chamber 7.4i to chamber 76 is heated by the regenerator core, andthe latter in turn is cooled.

Suitable bathing 77 and a burner tube 7S are provided for conducting theheated air from chamber 76 to a region 79 surrounding a verticallydisposed burner cone Si), FGURE 2, the baffling 77 being joined to theburner tube 73 to define an enclosure above which the gases withinchamber 76 are free to circulate. The air is admitted yfrom region 79 tothe interior of the burner cone Si) through a plurality of apertures d1,the air then being mixed with liquid fuel introduced by an atomizingnozzle 32 which extends into the burner cone Si). The fuel and airmixture is then ignited by a suitable igniter 83 and the compositiongases are directed in a substantially downward direction through theburner tube 73. The housing `for the above-described burner structurecomprises a vertically disposed cylindrical extension 84 formed on oneside `of the power plant housing portion 22. A burner cap S5 is boltedupon the upper surface of the housing extension tid so as to close theburner cone 80 and provide a means of access for servicing the same.

Upon reaching 4the lower extremity of the burner tube 78 the compositiongases enter a spiral-shaped chamber S6 defined in part by the centrallysituated baffling 77. rlhe axis of spiral chamber 85 correspondssubstantially to the axis of the compressor rotor lil. The chamber 86 isfurther partially defined by a circular baille 87 which includes anaxially extending portion disposed concentrically about the axis ofrotor lt) and having a radially extending portion secured at its outerperihpery in fluid sealing relationship at d to the housing portion 22.As the gases enter chamber d6, they pass axially through an annularpassageway partly dened by a nozzle block assembly designated generallyby numeral 89. The block assembly may be adapted to retain a first ringof stator 7 Y blades and a second ring of stator'blades 9,1; `A firststage turbine wheel 92 is situated within the nozzle block assembly 89and its peripheral blades are disposed between stator .blades 90 and 91in adjacent relationship therewith. A first spacer element 93 and asecond spacerV element 94 are interposed between the turbine wheel 92and the hub 11 of the compressor rotor 10, and a turbine shaft 95 isprovided for securing the turbine wheel 92, the

spacers 93 and 94 and the rotor'hub 11 in axially stacked relationshipto form a unitary assembly which may'rotate as a unit about a commonaxis of rota-tion'. YA bearing 96 is provided for rotatably journallingthe turbine wheel 92 and rotorassembly within a housing extension 97.'

prising an input gear assembly drivably connectedr to the turbine shaft'100 and a power output shaft 106 Y situated in a lower portion of theenclosure 103. The power output shaft 106` may be conveniently coupledto a drive shaft for a conventional automtive vehicle and it is drivablyconnected at Iits inner portion to the input gear 105 by intermediategears 107', 108, and 109.

The. combination gases pass from the chamber 86 through the annularpassageway defined bythe nozzle block assembly 89 and into anAexhaustcliamber 110 disposed below the regenerator matrix structure 28.The

exhaust gases may then pass from the chamber `11i) through the axaillyextending passages inthe regenerator core to heat the latter, then into`a dome-like exhaust chamber 111 defined by the power plant housing cover25. A suitable exhaust conduit may be provided for vconducting theexhaust gases from the chamber .111 to an external opening. In passingthrough 4the regenerator matrix, the gasesare cooled in the process ofheating the regenerator core. Also the pressure drop across the latterreduces the pressure of the gases in chamber 111 to slightly aboveatmospheric pressure.

The lowV pressure gases in exhaust chamber are separated from theintermediate pressure gases in chamber 76 by wall structure 112 ofhousing portion 22, said wall structure further providing a means forsupporting the aforementioned nozzle yblock assembly 89 in a central v:portion within the power plant housing portion 22. The

regenerator matrix core Y75 is exposed to the chamber 76 through asector-shaped yopening identified in FIGURESV 1, 3, and 5 as yanintermediate pressure area 113. The

regenerator matrix coreA 75` is exposed to the exhaust 27. Similarly theradially outer ends of channel support 42 are joined to a cylindricalvertical housing wall 115 coaxial with land secured to housing portion22C and having an upper annular horizontal inturned'ange 116 flushyflowing through the regenerator matrix. Vseals 129 and 130'lieilushwith thek upper and lower G. u ends with an approximatelysemi-circular inturned flange 118 of housing cover 25. The ange 118defines the outer semi-circular boundary of low pressure area 114 abovethe regenerator matrix 28 and is also substantially coextensive with'anunderlying semi-circular portion of ange 116 whichdefines the outersemi-circular boundary of the area 114 belowrthe regenerator` matrix 28.

In order to support the regenerator matrix 28 and to .assure the desiredflow of gases therethrough, upper and lower seals 119 and 120 areprovided entirelyaround the area 114 between the upper and lowerfaces ofthe drum-like regenerator matrix and juxtaposed portions of the enginehousing defined by the peripheral lianges 118 and 116, the sector arm117 and the top of support42. A substantially semi-circular seal 120a isprovided between the periphery of the lowerface of the regeneratormatrix 28, the juxtaposed portion of peripheral -flange 116 which boundsthe semi-circular periphery of area 113. The latter seal merges with theperipheral portions of seal 120, and Yin cooperation with therdiametrically extending portion of seal 120 overlying the top of support42, completely encloses the area 11,3.

The seals 119, 120, and 120a include upper and lower lannular sectorplates 121 and 122 having substantially diametrically extending integralcross arms 123 and 124 respectively defining the areas 113 and 114,FIGURES 3 and 5.Y The central portions of the cross arms 123 and 124 areenlarged to provide'hubs containing apertures 125i and 126respectivelyfor coaxial passage of shaft 36 freely therethrough. The axially outersurfaces of the sector plates 121 and 122 comprise thin flexible sheetmetal stampings or back-up .plates/127 and 128 respectivelyof material.such as stainless steel. Bonded to the axially inner surfaces of theback-up plates 127 and 128 are rubbing .seals 129`and 130 respectivelyof graphite or suitablejmaterial such as a metallic oxide adapted towithstand the high temperature of the gases The rubbing peripheralsurfaces of the regenerator matrix 28 in uid sealing slidingrelationship therewith to prevent radial iiow of gases betweenV thejuxtaposed surfaces ofthe regenerator core 75 and the respective rubbingseal 129 or 130. f

The seal 119 also comprises a channel-shaped spacer 131 of resilientsheetmaterial, FIGURES 3 and 4, which extendsentirely around the lowpressure area 114 and opens radially outwardly from that area. 131comprises upper vand lower channel sides 131a and 13117, the latterhaving its radially outer portion extending fiush with the upper surfaceof backing platev 127 and being welded thereto at 132 to eect a fluidtight seam entirely around the periphery of thearea 113. The radiallyVinnery portion of the vchannel side 131b extends inwardly towardthe-area 1.13 and axially vupwardly and is welded at 133 to a parallelflange of the radially inner edge of theV channel side 131er.Also-formed in the channel side 131e is a sealing channel 134-whichextends entirely around'the area 114 and'opens kdownwardly toward theopposite channel side ,131b. The channel 134 is dimensioned to fitsnugly within a coextensive resilient Y clamping channel 135 comprisingasheet metal 'stamping with the top ofk support 42. The latter and'ilange1.16VV

Y carry the weight of the regenerator matrix28 as explained below.v n Yf The housing cover 25 is similarly provided witha sector definingportion 117 through which shaft 36 extends,

FIGURE 8. The portion 117 extends radially from shaft 36 in oppositedirections coextensively with the Ytop of support 42 Vand is Yconnectedat. its radially outer having a flange r136 extending `radially inwardlyfrom the mouth-of the chaunel135. The flange 136`extends in jutaposition`with the kchannel side 131:1, then extends upwardlyhand inwardly at137V adjacent theunderside of the continuous" coplanar surfaces ofhousingV cross arm 117 and peripheral flange` 118,A to'which it issecured by' a clamp 138A and a plurality of `bolts 139, the clamp 138extending-,entirely around the area 114. A suitable insulating gasket140` may be provided between the *surfacel of the rclamping llange 137and the housing portions 117 and 118. Inwardly with respect to the area114, the clamping flange 137 extends upwardly as a flange 141 whichcooperatesV with an interior Vpanel 142 lining The spacer` chamber 111.The panel 142 is secured in place by a plurality of bolts 143 andretains a suitable insulating lining material 141m in position aroundthe entire interior surface of chamber 111.

Similarly to seal 119, the seal 12S, FIGURES 5 and 7, includes a lowerchannel-shaped resilient spacer 144 extending entirely around the area114 below the regenerator matrix 23 and opening radially outwardly fromthat area. The spacer 144 is formed from lower and upper sheet metalchannel sides 144e and 144i), the latter having its radially outerportion flush with the underside of back-up plate 12S and welded theretoat 145 to complete a fluid tight seal entirely around the area 114. Alsosimilarly to the channel sides 131e and 13115, the inner edges of thechannel sides 144a and 144b curve downwardly in parallelism with eachother and are welded together at 146. Adjacent the mouth of the spacer144, the channel side 144:1 is formed with a resilient sealing channel147 which extends entirely around the area 114 in the manner of sealingchannel 134. A resilient clamping channel 143 coextensive with thechannel 147 receives the latter in fluid sealing relationship, FIGURE 8,and is provided with a flange 149 which extends from the mouth ofchannel 143 in the direction toward area 114. The ilange 149 extendsgenerally parallel to the top of housing portion 42, then extends towardthe latter at 151) and is welded thereto and to the coplanar ange 116 at151 to effect a i'luid tight seal entirely around the area 114.

Seal 12th: comprises a Second resilient channel-shaped spacer 152underlying the entire length of the peripheral portion of sector plate122 which bounds area 113, FIG- URES 5 and 6. The channel spacer 152opens radially outwardly from the intermediate pressure area 113 andcomprises lower and upper channel sides 152e and 15211 having juxtaposeddownturned inner anges welded together at 153 along the entire length o`the spacer 152. The radially outer portion of channel side 15215 liesrlush with the underlying portion of housing ange 116 and is underresilient tension yieldingly maintaining itself in fluid sealingrelationship with the latter flange. The radially outer edge of theupper channel side 152b is welded at 154 along the entire length of theseal to the underside of plate 123. As illustrated in FIGURE 7, the endportions ot the channel spacer 152 extend into the channel spacer 144,both channels 144 and 152 opening in the same direction. At the regionof overlap between the channels 144 and 152, the channel side 152e isresiliently urged against the channel side 144a in fluid sealingrelationship and the radially outer edge of channelside 152b underliesand is welded to the interior surface of channel side 1441 thereby toprovide a leak-proof juncture between the two seals.

In accordance with the foregoing, it is apparent that air enteringchamber 24 from compressor 11i is free t0 circulate entirely around theouter periphery of the regenerator matrix 2S within chamber 27 and thelatters extension 27a, thereby to bathe the regenerator and its drivingmechanism in the comparatively cool high pressure air ow as aforesaid.The upper seal 119 prevents the high pressure air in chambers 24 and 27from bypassing the regenerator 28 and entering the area 114 or exhaustchamber 111. Likewise the lower seal 121i prevents the high pressuregases in chamber 27 and the intermediate pressure gases in chamber 76from entering the area 114 except in accordance with the desired lowpath from chamber 110. The seal 121m around the outer periphery ofsector plate 122, which bounds the intermediate pressure area 113,prevents the high pressure air in chamber 27 from bypassing theregenerator and entering the latter area or chamber 76 directly fromchamber 27.

In consequence, the high pressure air in chamber 24 is directed axiallydownward through the portion of the regenerator core 75 within the area113 and into the intermediate pressure chamber 76. This high pressureair is heated in its passage through the regenerator core 75.

The exhaust gases from chamber 11i) are similarly directed axiallyupward through the portion of the regenerator core 75, which is boundedby the lower pressure area 114 and into the exhaust chamber 111. It isto be noted in the above regard, that the comparatively high. pressurein chamber 27 enters the open channel mouth or he channel-shaped spacers144 and 152 so as to assist the inherent resiliency of these channels insupporting the weight of the regenerator matrix 2S. Similarly the gasesat the intermediate pressure in chamber '76 enter the channel 144 alongthe extent of the sector cross arm 124- between the ends of channelspacer 152. In this latter regard, the channel spacers 144 and 152 areunder resilient tension tending to separate their respective channelsides. Accordingly the regenerator matrix 28 is supported in iloatingrelationship by the resiliency of the channel-shaped portions of thebottom sealing structures and the pressure of the air assisting verticalseparation of the sides of these channels.

By reason of the pressure differential acting generally diametricallyacross the regenerator matrix 28 between areas 113 and 114, and furtherin consequence of the constantly changing temperature distribution inthe regenerator core 75, the latter tends to warp upwardly at itsperipheral edges with respect to its central axis. This warping isnon-uniform around the periphery of theregenerator matrix 28 because ofthe asymmetric distribution of both the temperature and pressure. Thesector plates 121 and 122 are therefore preferably as ilexible aspossible within the limits required by their structural and sealingcharacteristics so as to optimize the sealing engagement between therubbing seals 129 and 130 and the adjacent peripheral surfaces of theregenerator matrix 28. In order to `assure maximum conformity betweenthe upper and lower peripheral surfaces of the regenerator matrix 2S andthe mating sealing surfaces of the rubbing seals 129 and 1311, asuitable bending moment is applied at diametrically opposite sides ofthe sector plates 121 and 122.

As illustrated in FIGURE l0, the sector plate 121 is provided with apair of substantially diametrically opposed tabs at opposite ends of thecross arm 123. Each tab 155 comprises coextensive projections of thebacking plate 127 and rubbing Seal 129. Similarly, the lower sectorplate 122 is provided with diametrically opposite tabs 155 comprisingcoextensive extensions of the back-up plate 128 and rubbing seal 130directly underlying the tabs 155. Two pairs of resilient moment arms 157and 158 are associated with the tabs 155 and 156 respectively, the uppermoment arms 157 having radially inwardly directed upper anges 159overlying and welded to the upper surfaces of the tabs 155, the lowerends of the moment arms 158 terminating in radial flanges 160 underlying`and welded to the tabs 156.

From the ends 159 and 16h, the arms 157 and 158 ex'- tend toward eachother, each arm 157 terminating in a rounded terminal portion 161overlapping a rounded terminal portion 162 of the associated arm 15S.Both pairs yof arms 157 and 158 are secured to their respective tabs 155and 156 under tension so that the arms 157 yieldingly urge the arms 158radially inwardly, which movement is opposed by the resiliency of thearms 158 urging the arms 157 radially outwardly. In conesquence of thearms 157 and 15S arranged as described at diametrically opposite ends ofthe sector plates 121 and 122, a moment of bending force is applied toeach sector plate tending to bow these plates upwardly at the oppositeends of the cross arms 123 and 124. Because of the annular shape of theouter peripheries of the sector plates 121 and 122, these plates aredished conically by the moments of force so as to conform closely to theresulting shape of the conically warped regenerator matrix 28 duringoperation of the engine.

Also by virtue of the location of the arms 157 and 15S and the tabs 155and 156 in the region of the compara- 1 lr tively cool air of'chamber27, these vfarms retain their re- 'siliency during operation of theengine and supplement the resiliency of the spring material of thespacers 131, 144, and 152 and the associated clamping channels 135 and148 particularly in regard to the spacers and clamping channels at thehotte-r underside of the regenerator matrix 28, so as to maintainsealing contact between the rubbing seals 129 and 13G and theadjacentsurfaces of the regenerator; During operation of the engine theaforesaid spacers and channel clamps at the underside of the regeneratortend to lose their resiliencyY in the extremely high temperatureenvironment to which'they are sub-f jected, whereby their ability tomaintain the rubbing seals 129 and 130 in contact with the regeneratorcore 75 is thus impaired.

I claim:

1. In a gas turbine engine, a supporting frame, aregenerator rotatablymountedin said supporting frame, means effecting a seal between saidregenerator and frame for separating different gases including a sealingelement in sliding contact with said regenerator, a resilientchannel-shaped spacer extending lengthwise of said seal and havingspaced sides joined at the channel base and yieldingly urged apart toprovide a channel mouth opening to receive pressurized gases therein,lone of said sides being securedto said element in iiuid sealingrelationship, the other of said sides having a sealing channel extendinglengthwise .of said seal, said sealing channel opening rtoward said oneside and projecting toward its base in the direction away, from said oneside, a channel-shaped clamp extending lengthwise of said seal andmating with said sealing channel to receive the same within the channelof said clamp in fluid sealing relationship, and means for securing saidclamp to said frame in fluid sealing relationship. 2. The combinationaccording to claim 1 wherein said seal is adapted to separate gases atdilierentpressures at opposite sides Vof said seal, and -Said channelmouth of said spacer opens to receive the gases at the high pressureside of said seal, said oneside ofl saidV spacer conipries a sheet metalform having one edge secured adjacent said channel rnouth to saidsealingelement, saidy one side having a flange directed toward the other sideof said spacer and defining at least in part said channel base, saidother side having a ange extending lengthwise of said seal inparallelism with` the flange of said one side and secured to the latterange to complete said channel base, and said sealing channel in saidother side being closer to said channel base of said spacer.

3. In a gas turbine engine, a supporting frame, a regenerator rotatablymounted in 'said supporting frame,

means effecting a seal between said regenerator and frame for separatingdifferent gases including a sealing element in sliding contact with saidregenerator, a channel-shaped spacer extending lengthwise of said sealand having a closed channel base and an open channel mouth, a supportsecured to said frame in iluid sealing relationship,

mouth than to said channel 12 receive pressurizedgases. therein, one ofsaid sidesbeing secured to Vsaidlelement4 in tluid sealing relationship,the

Y other of said sides having a sealing channel extending one ofthemembers comprising said support and one channel sidefofsaidchannel-shaped spacer having a sealingv channel extending lengthwise ofsaid seal and resiliently confining a projection of the'other of saidmembers extending into the latter channel in iiuid sealing relationship,

the other channel side of said channel-shaped spacer begeneratorrotatably mounted in said supporting frame,-

rneans eifecting a seal between said regenerator and frame forseparating different gases including a Vsealing element 4in slidingcontact with said regenerator, av resilient channel-shaped spacerextending lengthwise of said seal and lengthwise of said seal, saidsealing channelL opening t0- ward said one sidevand projecting towardlits base in the direction away from said one side, a channel-shapedclamp extending lengthwise of said seal and mating with said sealingchannel to receive' the same within the channel of said clamp inviiuidsealing relationship, the base of said channel-shaped support beingsupportedrby said frame, said channel-shaped support having a flangeextending outwardly from the mouth of the channel thereof and beingsecured to said frame in fluid Asealing relationship.

5. In a gas turbine engine, a supporting frame, a regenerator rotatablymounted in said supporting frame, means elfecting a seal betweensaidregenerator and frame for separating dilerent gases including al sealingelement in sliding contact with'said regenerator, a channel-shapedspacer extending lengthwise of said seal and vhaving a closed channelbase and an open channel mouth, a channel-shaped support, onel of thechannel sides of said spacer having a sealing channel extendinglengthwise of -said seal, said channel-shaped support and sealingchannel being fitted one within the other in fluidsealing relationship,said channel-shaped support having a flange extending outwardly from themouth of the channel thereof andvbeingsecured to said frame vin uidsealing relationship. f

6. Inra gas turbine engine, a supporting frame, a regeneratorrotatablymounted in said supporting frame, means effecting a seal between saidregenerator and frame for separating diier'ent gases including a sealingelement in sliding contact with said regenerator, a channel-shapedspacer extending lengthwise of .said seal and having a closed channelbase andv an open channel mouth, a support vsecured tosaid frame intluid sealing relationship, one-of the members comprising said rsupportand one channel side of said channel-shaped spacer having a 'sealingchannel extending lengthwise of said seal and confining a projection ofthe otherV of said members extending into the latter channel in iiuidsealing relationship, the other channel side of said channel-shapedspacer being secured-to said sealing element in iluid sealingrelationship. j Y f Y v7. In a gas turbine engine, eSupport-ing frame, aregenerator rotatably V,mounted in said supporting frame, means eiectingseals between gases in different pressure ranges including acomparatively vhigh pressure range,

Y a comparatively low pressure range, and an intermediate pressurerange, said means comprising a sealing element Vvand intermediatepressure ranges, la first channel-shaped spacer extending lengthwise ofsaid one portion Yand opening in the direction awayy from said lowpressure range,

the latter, within the channel of'said support in uid sealhaving spacedsides joined-at the channel base and yield-y 'l .ingly urged apart toprovide a channel mouth opening to Y .tion'of said, sealing elementlandropening in the direct-ion ltow-ard said high pressure rangeone ofythechannel sides of said second spacer being secured to said secondportion of said .sealing element in fluid sealing relationship, the

other channel side of said second spacer engaging `said frame in fiuidsealing relationship, said second channelshaped spacer extending withinthe channel of said first spacer beyond the juncture of said secondportion with said one portion of said sealing element, said otherchannel side of said second spacer engaging the inner surface of saidother channel side of the first spacer in fiuid sealing relationship.

8. In a gas turbine engine, a supporting frame, a regenerator rotatablymounted in said supporting frame, means effecting seals between gases indifferent pressure ranges including a comparatively high pressure range,a comparatively low pressure range, and an intermediate pressure range,said means comprising a sealing element in sliding contact with saidregenerator having one portion extending along the demarcation betweensaid low pressure range and each of said high and intermediate pressureranges and having a second portion extending from said one portion alongthe demarcation between said high and intermediate pressure ranges, afirst channel-shaped spacer extending lengthwise of said one portion andopening in the direction away from said low pressure range, one of thechannel sides of said spacer being secured to said one portion of saidsealing element in fluid sealing relationship, a support secured to saidframe in liuid sealing relationship, one of the members comprising saidsupport and the other channel side of said first spacer having a sealingchannel extending lengthwise of said one portion of said sealing elementand confining a projection of the other of said members extending intosaid sealing channel in fluid sealing relationship, a secondchannelshaped spacer extending lengthwise of said second portion of saidsealing element and opening in the direction toward said high pressurerange, one of the channel sides of said second spacer being secured tosaid second portion of said sealing element in fluid sealingrelationship, the other channel side of said second spacer engaging saidframe in fluid sealing relationship, said second channelshaped spacerextend-ing within the channel of said first spacer beyond the junctureof said second portion with said one portion of said sealing element andwithin said channel of said first spacer', said other channel side ofsaid second spacer engaging the inner surface of said other channel sideof the first spacer in fluid sealing relationship.

9. In a gas turbine engine, a supporting frame, a regenerator rotatablymounted in said supporting frame, means effecting seals between gases indifferent pressure ranges including a comparatively high pressure range,a comparatively low pressure range, and an intermediate pressure range,said means comprising a sealing element in sliding contact with saidregenerator having one portion extending along the demarcation betweensaid low pressure range and each of said high and intermediate pressureranges and having a second portion extending from said one portion alongthe demarcation between said high and intermediate pressure ranges, afirst channelshaped spacer extending lengthwise of said one portion andopening in the direction away from said low pressure range, one of thechannel sides of said spacer being secured to said one portion of saidsealing element in fluid sealing relationship, a channel-shaped supportextending lengthwise of said one portion of said sealing element andsecured to said frame in fluid sealing relationship, the other channelside of said first spacer having a sealing channel extending lengthwiseof said channel-shaped support, one of the channels comprising saidsealing channel and the channel of said channel-shaped support beingfitted within the other in fiuid sealing relationship, a secondchannel-shaped spacer extending lengthwise of said second portion ofsaid sealing element and opening in the direction toward said highpressure range, one of the channel sides of said second spacer beingsecured to said second portion of said sealing element in fluid sealingrelationship, the other channel side of said second spacer engag- Ciling said frame in fluid sealing relationship, said second channel-shapedspacer extending within the channel of said first spacer beyond thejuncture of said second portion with said one portion of said sealingelement and within said channel of said first spacer, said other channelside of said second spacer engaging the inner surface of said otherchannel side of the rst spacer in uid sealing relationship.

10. The combination according to claim 9 wherein said channel-shapedspacers are of resilient material stressed to urge opening of theirchannel mouths, said other channel side of said second spacerresiliently engaging said frame and the inner surface of said otherchannel side of said first spacer, and the intertting sealing channeland channel-shaped support being in resilient engagement.

11. In a gas turbine engine, a supporting frame, a drumtype regeneratorrotatably mounted in said supporting frame, a sealing element having aninner and an outer surface, said inner surface being in sliding andsealing engagement with the surface of said drum at one axial sidethereof and enclosing an area arranged for axial passage of gasesthrough said drum, a channel-shaped spacer coextensive with said sealingelement and having a closed channel base and an open channel mouth, asealing channel extending in one channel side of said spacer, the otherchannel side of said spacer engaging the outer surface of said sealingelement in fluid sealing relationship, a channel-shaped supportcoextensive with said spacer and engaging said frame in fluid sealingrelationship, one of the channels comprising the channel of saidchannel-shaped support and said sealing channel being fitted Within theother in fluid sealing arrangement.

12. ln a gas turbine engine, a supporting frame, a drumtype regeneratorrotatably mounted in said supporting frame, a sealing element having aninner surface in sliding and sealing engagement with the surface of saiddrum at one axial side thereof, said sealing element including anannular portion adjacent the peripheral edge of said drum surface andincluding a partitioning portion cooperating with said annular portionto divide the area of said drum surface into two segments for axialpassage of gases therethrough, a first channel-shaped spacer coextensivewith the portions of said sealing element enclosing one of said segmentsof said drum area, said first spacer having a closed channel base and anopen channel mouth, a sealing channel extending in one channel side ofsaid spacer, the other channel side of said spacer engaging the outersurface of said sealing element in fluid sealing relationship, achannel-shaped support coextensive with said spacer and engaging saidframe in fluid sealing relationship, one of the channels comprising thechannel of said channel-shaped support and said sealing channel beingfitted within the other in fluid sealing arrangement, a secondchannel-shaped spacer coextensive with said annular portion of saidsealing element defining the other of said segments of said drum area,the opposite ends of said second spacer extending into the channel ofsaid first spacer to effect regions of overlapping spacers, the channelmouths of both spacers at said regions of overlapping spacers opening inthe same direction, one channel side of said second spacer engaging thecoextensive portion of said annular portion of said sealing element insealing relationship and also engaging the inner surface of said otherside of said first spacer in sealing relationship, the other channelside of said second spacer engaging said frame in sealing relationship.

13. The combination according to claim 12 wherein the areas of said drumdefined by said one and said other segment are arranged for passage ofcomparatively low and high pressure gases therethrough respectively,said channel-shaped spacers being of resilient material yieldinglyurging enlargement of their respective channel mouths, the channelmouths of said first and second spacers at the region of the annularportion of said sealing element opening radially outwardly with respectto said drum.

,15 and the channel mouth of said first spacer l said partitioningportion opening in the`direction'of the higher pressure gases of ,saidother segment.

14. In a gas turbine engine, a supporting frame, a regenerator mountedin said supporting frame for rotation about an upright axis and forlimited adjusting movement including axial movement` and Ycocking`movement With respect to said axis, means supporting the Weight of saidregenerator and compensating for said adjusting movenientv comprisingresilient sealing means interposed between said frame and theundersurface of lsaid, regenerator, said sealing means including Vasealing element having an inner surface in sliding and sealingengagement with the undersurface of said drum, said sealingelementincluding an annular portion adjacent the peripheral edge of said drumysurface and including a partitioning portion cooperating with saidannular portion to divide the area of said drum surface into relativelyhigh and low pressure segments for axial passageof gases therethrough, achanne1shaped spacer coextensive with said sealing eleat the region of Iment and having a closed channel base and an open channel mouth, asealing channel coextensive with the portions of said Spacer enclosingsaid low pressure segment and extending in one channel side of saidspacer, the other channel side of said spacer engagingV the; outersurface of said sealing element in fluid sealing relationship, achannel-shaped support coextensive with said Sealing channel andengaging said frame in fluidsealing relationa.

ship, one of the channels comprising the channel of said tchannel-shaped support' andsaid sealing channel being tted'within theother in uid sealing arrangement.

15. Thecombination according to claim 14 comprising in addition anaircompressor for supplying pressurized combustion supporting air, achamber around the periphery of said drum-rand having an openingregistering with the surface of Said drum overlying said high pressuresegment,.means for conducting said pressurized air to said chamber, thechannel` mouth of said spacer at the region of said annularportion ofsaid sealing element openingA into said chamber to receive saidpressurized air to assist said spacer in supporting said sealingelementand regenerator thereon. i

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS CHARLES SUKALo,Primary Examiner. V'PERCY L. PATRICK, Exrrrrirrer.

1. IN A GAS TURBINE ENGINE, A SUPPORTING FRAME, A REGENERATOR ROTATABLYMOUNTED IN SAID SUPPORTING FRAME, MEANS EFFECTING A SEAL BETWEEN SAIDREGENERTOR AND FRAME FOR SEPARATING DIFFERENT GASES INCLUDING A SEALINGELEMENT IN SLIDING CONTACT WITH SAID REGENERATOR, A RESILIENTCHANNEL-SHAPED SPACER EXTENDING LENGTHWIDE OF SAID SEAL AND HAVINGSPACED SIDES JOINED AT THE CHANNEL BASE AND YIELDINGLY URGED APART TOPROVIDE A CHANNEL MOUTH OPENING TO RECEIVE PRESSURIZED GASES THEREIN,ONE OF SAID SIDES BEING SECURED TO SAID ELEMENT IN FLUID SEALINGRELATIONSHIP, THE OTHER OF SAID SIDES HAVING A SEALING CHANNEL EXTENDINGLENGTHWISE OF SAID SEAL, SAID SEALING CHANNEL OPENING TOWARD SAID ONESIDE AND PROJECTING TOWARD ITS BASE IN THE DIRECTION AWAY FROM SAID ONESIDE, A CHANNEL-SHAPED CLAMP EXTENDING LENGHTWISE OF SAID SEAL ANDMATING WITH SAID SEALING CHANNEL TO RECEIVE THE SAME WITHIN THE CHANNELTO SAID CLAMP IN FLUID SEALING RELATIONSHIP, AND MEANS FOR SECURING SAIDCLAMP TO SAID FRAME IN FLUID SEALING RELATIONSHIP.